Final answer:
The Hendra virus is an emerging paramyxovirus in Australia associated with sporadic transmission events from infected horses to humans. It represents part of a larger trend of emerging infectious diseases influenced by environmental changes and increased human-wildlife contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the Hendra virus is indeed an emerging paramyxovirus in Australia. First identified in 1994 after an outbreak among horses at a racing stable in Hendra, Brisbane, it has since presented intermitted spillover events to humans, invariably associated with contact with infected horses. The Hendra virus is one of several pathogens that have emerged or re-emerged in recent times because of various factors, such as increased contact between wildlife and human populations or intensive farming practices. For instance, the spread of avian influenza, such as the deadly H5N1 strain and the previous H7N9 outbreak in China, occurs due to intensified poultry farming and the invasion of natural habitats.
Moreover, similar disease emergence phenomena have been observed with other viruses like Ebola and hantavirus. The potential for these viruses, including the Hendra virus, to cause significant morbidity and mortality in human populations emphasizes the importance of surveillance, immediate identification of new pathogens, and effective control measures to prevent pandemics. Climate change, deforestation, and human encroachment on wilderness also contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and the emergence of new viruses.